African American Giving Initiative

Who We Are

Established in 2011, this initiative is focused on creating an endowment fund with broad community support and to provide grantmaking for needs that are specific to the African American community in the greater Rochester region. Members are committed to making a positive change in problem areas experienced most strongly within the African American community.

The group's goal is to raise $1 million to create a permanent endowment that will grow and respond to the future needs and aspirations of Rochester’s Black community — forever. Members' gifts to the African American Giving Initiative Fund will be designated for two purposes — half for grantmaking that year and half to help build the endowment.

All contributors decide together how to best distribute the charitable dollars raised, taking full advantage of the power of giving together. We encourage giving to the Initiative from anyone who believes that a community is only as healthy as each person’s neighbor.

There are several options for getting involved (see How to Join tab above). In addition to financial support, your participation and passion as a volunteer on the steering committee to direct grantmaking also can help further the work of the Initiative.

Apply for a Grant Today

The Giving Initiative is now accepting grant applications for projects and programs that directly reduce an identified disparity in the African American community and lead to systemic change. Collaboration with partners and/or the ability to replicate program achievements are key components of a successful application. Only proposals seeking $2,500 or more will be considered.

Click here to get details on the application requirements. Thedeadline for submitting grant proposals is Monday, April 16.

Our Previous Grants

2017: Three grants totaling $7,100 were awarded to support:

Gateways Music Festival 2017: Professional musicians of African descent from across the nation come to Rochester to perform and, in conjunction with local volunteer supporters, change the face of classical music. $2,500

Cameron Community Ministries: Supports the Respect & Responsibility for Boys Group, a special weekly component of its youth program. $2,100

University of Rochester: For a two-year, paid youth apprenticeship program that will provide hands-on work experience for under-represented junior and senior high school students in Rochester with an expressed interest in healthcare. $2,500

2016: The Judicial Process Commission received a $5,000 grant to assist African American ex-offenders as they re-enter the community by providing a mentor and job training opportunities.

2015: Three grants of $3,333.34 each were awarded to support:

Cameron Community Ministries: Strengthen the after-school program for 40 youth in the Lyell-Otis neighborhood.

Gateways Music Festival: This biennial festival, held in Rochester since 1995, celebrates the contributions of classical instrumentalists of African descent.

Group 14621 Community Association: Supports the Conkey Cruisers bicycling program that is changing the negative perception of exercise in that neighborhood.

2014: Group 14621 Community Association received $2,500 to support the Conkey Cruisers bicycling program.

2013: Gateways Music Festival received $5,200, the first-ever grant from the Giving Initiative. This biennial festival, held in Rochester since 1995 that celebrates the contributions of classical instrumentalists of African descent. The grant supported having festival musicians, who came from all over the country, perform for youth at Wilson Academy Foundation one night during the festival, in schools, houses of worship, theaters and Rochester City Hall.

Other Significant Work

The State of Black Rochester 2013: Education + Employment = Equity was commissioned by the Initiative to provide an overview of the racial and ethnic disparities in our community. This 40-page paperback, which is a compilation of essays from prominent community leaders and experts, includes data compiled by ACT Rochester. Proceeds from sales of the book are used for the Giving Initiative’s future grants in our community.

Find it locally at Mood Makers Books in Village Gate, Writers & Books, The Library Store at the Central Library, and Baobab Cultural Center. On Amazon.com, the book is available in print and in e-book form.

The African American Giving Initiative invites you to join and to find your place in giving through these levels:

Freedom Fighters ($1,000+): This annual financial investment gives you a vote in the grantmaking process that directs dollars to organizations making a measurable difference. Half of your gift will benefit endowment and half current grantmaking.

Renaissance Raisers ($5,000+)

Peer Pioneers ($10,000+)

Ujima Underwriters ($25,000+): Create your own fund in your name or honor or memorialize someone important to you.

To join, use our easy and secure online form or mail a check, payable to Rochester Area Community Foundation (with African American Giving Initiative in the Memo line) to African American Giving Initiative, c/o Rochester Area Community Foundation, 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. All contributions to the Initiative are tax deductible.